Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.
Both teams delivered an exciting display of football, with Mohun Bagan clinching their first win of the season thanks to a late strike, marking the fifth comeback victory in the ISL by the end of gameweek 2.
#5 A Fast-Paced Start
The match saw an explosive start, with NorthEast United FC pressing hard from the first whistle.
In the 4th minute, the visitors took an early lead as Alaeddine Ajaraei delivered a precise cross that found Mohammed Ali Bemammer, who hammered a fierce shot past Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
The Moroccan duo of Ajaraei and Bemammer showcased their chemistry, and the Highlanders had the advantage within minutes.
Despite the early setback, Mohun Bagan responded quickly.
Just six minutes later, 21-year-old Dippendu Biswas leaped to meet a well-delivered free-kick by Dimitrios Petrratos, heading the ball into the net to equalize.
It was a significant moment for the young defender, marking his first senior team goal.
NorthEast United, undeterred by the equalizer, continued their attacking approach. Ajaraei was once again involved in a brilliant counter-attack in the 24th minute.
He combined with Jithin MS, who broke down the left wing with pace and precision before releasing Ajaraei into the box.
The Moroccan striker calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, restoring NorthEast United’s lead at 2-1.
#4 A Controversial Equalizer
Mohun Bagan came out with more intent in the second half but struggled to break down the NorthEast United defense.
However, in the 61st minute, controversy struck. A corner from Greg Stewart caused confusion in the Highlanders’ box, and Subhasish Bose pounced on the loose ball, slotting it home to bring the scoreline to 2-2.
NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali was visibly frustrated after the goal.
He claimed that Gurmeet Singh, the NorthEast United goalkeeper, was fouled in the build-up to the equalizer, leading to an injury.
“You should see Gurmeet’s arm, it’s bleeding. It’s unfair. We should’ve defended better for the third goal, and we couldn’t convert the many chances we had. But we showed that we can go toe-to-toe with a big team like Mohun Bagan,” Benali said.
Despite the setback, the Highlanders continued to press, but their inability to convert chances ultimately cost them.
#3 Late Heroics from Jason Cummings
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Mohun Bagan made key substitutions that would change the game’s outcome.
In the 87th minute, Sahal sent a perfect cross into the box, which Cummings met with a composed finish to score the winning goal for Mohun Bagan.
Cummings, who came off the bench, was named the key performer of the match for his decisive goal, which completed the comeback for the Mariners.
His late heroics not only secured three points but also added to the growing excitement of the ISL season.
#2 Coaches React
Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina was pleased with the team’s perseverance but voiced concerns over the number of goals conceded.
“I am happy with the efforts of the players and the win, but conceding so many goals is a concern. We need to tighten up defensively. I always put the best eleven on the field and make substitutions according to the match,” Molina said.
On the other side, NorthEast United’s Benali emphasized that despite the loss, his team demonstrated their ability to compete against one of the ISL’s strongest sides.
#1 What’s Next for Both Teams?
Mohun Bagan will now look to build on this victory when they face Bengaluru FC on September 28th.
The win has boosted their confidence, but Molina’s focus will likely be on addressing the defensive lapses that allowed NorthEast United to take the lead twice.
Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC will aim to bounce back when they host Kerala Blasters on September 29th.
Playing their first home match of the season, the Highlanders will look to convert their promising performances into points and tighten their defense to avoid similar late heartbreaks.
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